Mechack Jerome and Peterson Joseph selected to Haiti Men’s National Team

Sporting Kansas City defender Mechack Jerome and midfielder Peterson Joseph have been selected to the Haiti Men’s National Team, the club announced on Monday. Haiti will play a pair of international friendlies against the last two FIFA World Cup champions with matches against Spain on June 8 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. and against Italy on June 12 at Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Jerome has appeared in seven games for Sporting Kansas City since being signed prior to the 2013 MLS season. The 23-year-old right back has contributed to four shutouts in five starts this season and added one assist.

He debuted for the Haiti Men’s National Team in 2008 and helped Haiti to a third place finish in the 2012 Caribbean Cup last December.

“I am very happy,” Jerome said. “These will be two big games against Spain and Italy. I’m excited to have the chance to play against Xavi, (Carlos) Puyol, (Andres) Iniesta and (Mario) Balotelli.”

Joseph, 23, has appeared in 23 MLS matches (including playoffs) over three seasons for Sporting Kansas City with one assist. Internationally, Joseph earned his first senior team appearance in a 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier and most recently represented Haiti in Caribbean Cup qualifying.

“These are two very important games for the team because we have the CONCACAF Gold Cup coming soon,” Joseph said. “This will be a big opportunity and it’s going to help us prepare for the Gold Cup.”

Both players will join Haiti following Sporting Kansas City’s match on June 1 against the Montreal Impact at Sporting Park.

Haiti, ranked No. 59 in the latest FIFA rankings, are among the 12 teams that will participate in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup from July 7-28 in the United States.